10 Facts And Myths About Herpes Uncovered
Herpes simplex is a viral disease from the caused by both Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). Infection with the herpes virus is categorized into one of many distinct disorders based on the site of infection. Oral herpes, the visible symptoms of which are colloquially called cold sores or fever blisters, is an infection of the face or mouth. Oral herpes is the most common form of infection. Genital herpes, known simply as herpes, is the second most common form of herpes.
1. Myth: Only certain sorts of people get herpes.
Fact: Herpes are very common and anyone who has ever had sex can get genital herpes. It’s not about being clean, dirty, good or bad – it’s about being normal and sexually active.
2. Myth: Herpes “cold sores” on the mouth are not the same as genital herpes.
Fact: Cold sores on the mouth or face are caused by HSV-1 and are commonly transmitted to the genitals (causing genital herpes) through oral to genital sex. Up to 40% of genital herpes is caused by HSV-1.
3. Myth: Herpes can only affect the genital area.
Fact: HSV-1 typically affects the mouth area. HSV-2 and HSV-1 affect the genitals, pubic area, buttocks, back of thigh or inner thigh. Herpes can also occur on other parts of the body, although this is less common. On the fingers it is known as herpes whitlow.
4. Myth: People always know if they have genital herpes.
Fact: 80% of those with genital herpes do not know they have it, as they may have no or very mild herpes symptoms.
5. Myth: People with herpes are always infectious.
Fact: A person with herpes is not always infectious but the herpes virus is occasionally shed from the skin when symptoms are not present. Most of the time when you don’t have herpes symptoms you are not infectious.
6. Myth: When you have an STI check or a cervical smear it always checks for herpes.
Fact: Routine sexual health (STI screens) checks and cervical smear tests do not screen or test for herpes. Tests for herpes can only be done if a person has symptoms and a swab is taken directly from the lesion.
7. Myth: People with herpes cannot have children.
Fact: Herpes does not affect fertility in either men or women, and women with genital herpes can have normal pregnancies and vaginal delivery. Herpes can be passed on to babies, but this is rare. If you are pregnant and you or your partner has herpes, tell your health care professional.
8. Myth: Herpes causes cervical cancer.
Fact: Herpes is not associated with cervical abnormalities or cervical cancer. These are caused by HPV (human papilloma virus), which is not herpes.
9. Myth: Herpes is passed through blood.
Fact: Herpes is not present in the blood. People with genital herpes can still donate blood. Genital herpes is only passed through direct skin-to-skin contact, both orally and genitally.
10. Myth: If you have herpes you should always wear condoms in long-term monogamous relationships.
Fact: In long-term relationships, most couples choose not to continually use condoms, and understand that getting herpes is just a part of life. (Your partner may already have herpes without being aware of it). Whilst some people may experience troublesome herpes symptoms from time to time, for the majority, herpes is not symptomatic or causes only mild symptoms. Herpes medication is available for those that need it.
